Germany Synagogue Attack on Yom Kippur Shocks Jewish World

(Combined sources) After at least two people were shot dead on a street in the German city of Halle, the birthplace of composer Georg Freideric Handel, on Wednesday outside a synagogue during Yom Kippur, Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel, Isaac Herzog released the following statement:

“A shocking terrorist attack took place today on German soil, on the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. The entire world sees and hears what is happening and must understand that there can be no compromise in the fight against hatred of Jews and anti-Semitism. The Jewish Agency will support the growing Jewish community in Halle.”

The terrorist who committed the deadly attack was reported to be Stefan Balite, a German citizen and a 27-year-old right-wing activist who documented himself seconds before the shooting and said that “Jews are at the root of all problems.” He called himself a “Holocaust denier” and made other anti-Semitic statements.

The suspect documented the events live, with the video documenting the shooting of two people and then a failed attempt into the synagogue. Witnesses reported that the armed suspect was wearing a camera helmet and wearing military-style clothing.

The chairman of the Jewish community in the city said the attackers tried to break into the synagogue during prayer, but were blocked by security guards. Between 50 and 70 worshipers were inside the synagogue at the time of the attack.

“We share in the mourning of the families whose loved ones were murdered, wish the wounded a speedy recovery and send strength to the worshipers and members of the community who are in deep mourning. We will assist all parties, including the German government, in combating this horrible wave of antisemitism and in supporting and strengthening the Jewish community in Germany,” said Herzog.